Our Story

The branch has been representing workers at Barnardo's who are members since 1988.

The Road to Recognition

A milestone in the history of the branch was the achievement of the largest recogition agreement in the history of Barnardo's.

In 2003 nearly 6000 employees of Barnardo's were asked in the "You Decide" vote to choose between Barnardo's creating its own staff consultative body or negotiate a recognition agreement with UNISON. 76% voted for UNISON!

On May 12th,2004 Barnardo's Council ratified the Recognition Agreement.

It is the largest Recognition Agreement ever negotiated within the Voluntary Sector. The agreement was signed by Roger Singleton (Chief Executive of Barnardo's and Dave Prentis, General Secretary in October 2004.

Put simply, after years of having an almost clandestine relationship with Barnardo's, UNISON members and activists can now operate within the organisation officially, with time release to do their union work as Branch officers, activists or stewards, and also UNISON members may attend union meetings in work time.

We will also be the sole representatives for negotiating and consultation on employee relations with Barnardo's at the newly formed Local and UK Joint Forums

Going virtual

 The UNISON Barnardo's branch went virtual on June 19th 2005 as the UK first virtual union branch.

Launched at the UNISON conference in Glasgow in June 2005 by General Secretary Dave Prentis, the branch will be piloting using internet technology as it prime means of organising, communicating and servicing members.

The branch now uses member forums to discuss issues and poll members online about important decisions